Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase: Running Back Standouts

ABERDEEN, SD-- We keep rolling with the offensive evaluations from the Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase last Sunday. We dive into our nine running back standouts from the Presentation Dome. This list covers prospects that SHOULD be playing at the FCS level, prospects that fit as future D2 or NAIA prospects, and prospects that can get to the next level in the coming years with some added development however, we could certainly see their upside to get there at the Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase. Let's get to it!   [player_tooltip player_id='289604' first='Dreavin' last='Hodge'], RB, Sioux Falls Lincoln (SD) 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Dreavin-Hodge-crop-4480x2942-1670304988.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-536050" width="389" height="255" /></figure>   Dreavin was our running back All-Camp MVP from our Aberdeen Showcase. He showed off some very fluid 4.56 speed (40-yard dash) in the testing session, which was the top number among all running backs. He wasn't done either with some of the best numbers in the RB group, as he tested in the top 2 in the shuttle and L-drills (4.38 and 7.3). I enjoyed watching Dreavin's agility in full force with his change of direction in 1v1 reps and individual drills. He put together some reactive instincts with what I saw in person versus what shows out on his junior tape. He does a great job on his inside cuts on tape by using his vision to create space to run in the open field in 11AAA. He's got some growing development once he gets into the second level of the field by working thru his durability to break one which building some added strength (5-10 pounds) in the weight room will certainly pay off some dividends for Dreavin when we look at his senior season next year. I would advise all Division I schools to get this young man on their 2024 recruiting boards as his 6'0 190 pound frame with that accelerator he has should rise into next season, as the Patriots should be one of the favorites in 11AAA.   [player_tooltip player_id='533110' first='Anthony' last='Moser'], RB, Douglas (SD) 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Anthony-Moser-crop-4480x2942-1670310198.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-536191" width="375" height="246" /></figure>   My first look at this Douglas Patriots senior running back showed off some upside where his game could take him to the next level. He ran just over a 4.8 consistently both times in the 40-yard dash, and his best numbers I saw came from the shuttle, with his second attempt coming in at 4.63. At 5'6 175, he shows off some good durability when running inside thru contact as he can put his lower body to the test into the second level with that cut-up frame we saw on Sunday at the Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase. Anthony does a good job of shedding off first contact to add more finesse to his runs in the early going of the rep. His tape shows off some raw traits in the early going, as some clips I would keep much deeper into his tape, but this young man can also add value on special teams at the next level as he shows off a significant pad level when going out to work blocking upfront. Douglas has been known in the past to put a handful of prospects in the NSAA at the NAIA level, and I think he would be a great fit for several Dakotas schools looking to fill out their 2023 roster as he clearly works his tail off in the weight room based on what I saw on Sunday.   [player_tooltip player_id='533149' first='Tyler' last='Hettich'], RB, Ipswich (SD) 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Tyler-Hettich-crop-4480x2942-1670310412.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-536193" width="379" height="249" /></figure>   Tyler was another RB prospect that I had heard about a fair amount during the 2022 season and is another diamond in the rough to look at from Ipswich. He showed significant consistency in the testing sessions with his 4.58 40-yard dash time, which left a lasting impression from our Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase. He showed off some great change of direction-running in the low to mid 4.4s with his shuttle numbers and explosive feet with 9'3 and 9'6 in the broad jump. Tyler doesn't have any tape available to watch, but the reps I have seen from clips on social media show that explosive nature we saw in continuously in Aberdeen. Tyler is WAY under the radar, and if he can get some tape available here, ASAP-could he could be a hidden gem small-school prospect at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='533136' first='Riddick' last='Westley'], RB, Elkton-Lake Benton (SD) 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/56-Riddick-Westley-e1670465734269-crop-3291x2161-1670466091.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-539174" width="366" height="240" /></figure>   Riddick impressed me with his agility at our Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase this weekend, as I loved watching this young man's ability to use his footwork to his advantage with his change of direction. You can read while watching him that this young man's game speed outweighs his testing numbers as his motor, especially at linebacker for the Elks, shows some super-charging ability to eat up the A-gap when he's in pursuit of the ball carrier. He shows competitive vision when the ball is in his hands and shoots that bounce from inside to outside quickly when you turn on the tape on Riddick. He's got a developing twitch I like to see out of my running backs, and I expect him to be on my stockrisers list next week when the 2024 rankings roll out in the Dakotas.   [player_tooltip player_id='533117' first='Corban' last='Hanneman'], RB, Lennox (SD) 2025   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/1-Corban-Hanneman-e1670465848189.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-537077" width="365" height="254" /></figure>   Corban was a "first look" running back I watched for the first time in Aberdeen and one that, as just a sophomore, should have some growing upside that should develop nicely for the Lennox Orioles. He showed some consistency with his testing numbers for his size and age, which is something I like to see out of younger RB prospects. We will have to see some sophomore tape for further evaluation, although in the early reps into individual drills, I liked watching the attention to detail Corban developed rep after rep from coaching in Aberdeen.   [player_tooltip player_id='89279' first='Luke' last='Fraser'], RB, Hamlin (SD) 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Luke-Fraser1-crop-4480x2942-1670306632.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-536092" width="372" height="244" /></figure>   The Prep Redzone Showcase veteran Hamlin's [player_tooltip player_id='89279' first='Luke' last='Fraser'] yet again showed why he's one of the Dakota's top athletes in the 2024 class. Luke was another RB prospect I heard from his head coach and was a household name in our 2022 Big Dogs of the Week during the season, and that certainly wasn't just all hype based on what we saw from him on Sunday. He continuously has gotten stronger since we identified him during his freshmen year with the Chargers in the state championship game. Watching his instincts keep growing is what makes Luke one of the top 10 prospects in the Dakotas. He shows off some filthy athleticism on tape beyond the first level this season for the Hamlin Chargers and some moves that make the defense work their tail off to try and bring him to the turf. He has also has dropped his 40-yard dash time down about .05-.10 each time I have watched him at our Prep Redzone showcases in Dakotas and Minnesota. Luke is a fierce competitor who loves competition, and I am a big fan of his character too. He should wind up at the FCS level, in my eyes.   [player_tooltip player_id='294153' first='Tyson' last='Ruzicka'], RB, Minot (ND) 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Tyson-Ruzicka-crop-4480x2942-1670310598.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-536195" width="369" height="242" /></figure>   Tyson was on the cusp of being on my first All-Camp Team for running backs this weekend at our Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase. With a 4.59 40-yard dash time and his shuttle and 4.47, I don't doubt that from his testing numbers and watching him in 1v1s; he will be playing on Saturdays here very soon like his brother Hunter who plays at Jamestown. Tyson has some juice with his finished speed deep in the open field, which is something I love watching when evaluating running backs. He also has that durability gene to strive thru contact without losing a step and plays much bigger than the frame he puts out there consistently. I would love to see Tyson in 2023 on more short routes to show off that burst he possesses in the open field; as this young man, I can see paying some dividends for the Minot Magic in his senior season. I expect Tyson to make a move as a stockriser next week in the 2024 rankings update.   [player_tooltip player_id='56575' first='Carl' last='Henry'], RB, Bismarck Legacy (ND) 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Carl-Henry-crop-4480x2942-1670315790.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-536301" width="368" height="242" /></figure>   One of the most intriguing 2023s, with oddly no offers yet at our Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase, was Bismarck Legacy's, [player_tooltip player_id='56575' first='Carl' last='Henry']. We rated Carl as one of the best running backs in Bismarck, and he showed a powerful change of direction with his route running ability and finesse in 1v1s and his shuttle numbers showed a lot of upside for one of the biggest running backs checking in at 206 pounds at our Prep Redzone Dakotas showcase. One of the developments I see in Carl at the next level is his balance. He has a big sticker of agility he rolls out on tape, and with some offseason work can gain more control with his footwork. Carl is a bulldozer when it comes to eating up contact to get freedom in open space. As a top 45 prospect in the Dakotas, he is probably the MOST surprising kid in the Dakotas without an offer yet to his resume. If I were a college coach, I would certainly have this young man on my team as he also has a high character level as well from meeting him this weekend in Aberdeen.   [player_tooltip player_id='533107' first='Xavier' last='Burrow'], RB West Fargo Horace (ND) 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/45-Xavier-Burrow-crop-3345x2197-1670466026.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-539169" width="373" height="245" /></figure>   Xavier was another RB prospect from our Prep Redzone Dakotas showcase that just missed out on my All-Camp Team, however, showed off some skillsets to watch going into his senior season for the West Fargo Horace Hawks. I thought Xavier showed some explosive traits in my evaluation of him on Sunday, and that was while watching him in individual reps specifically. He offers good durability that plays bigger than his frame might show when you dive into his tape as a junior. His upside to his game is his agility, as he has a solid trigger with his footwork moving from side to side. Xavier still has some rawness to his game, but working on growing his agility even stronger while adding burst in the weight room will set this young man up for success in his upcoming senior season. Adding significant strength of 15-20 pounds should also help his cause to become a next-level prospect.

ABERDEEN, SD-- We keep rolling with the offensive evaluations from the Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase last Sunday. We dive into our nine running back standouts from the Presentation Dome. This list covers prospects that SHOULD be playing at the FCS level, prospects that fit as future D2 or NAIA prospects, and prospects that can get to the next level in the coming years with some added development however, we could certainly see their upside to get there at the Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcase. Let's get to it!